Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek Highlights

• Trek up to the walled city of Lo-Manthang, the capital of the former kingdom of Lo
• Explore the desert like landscape situated in the rain shadow of the Annapurnas
• Closely experience intact Tibetan Buddhist culture and Bon region
• Witness stunning views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and more
• Visit the mysterious sky caves in Choeser

Trek through arid desert-like valleys, closely interact with untouched Buddhist culture and enjoy Himalayan scenery on our 15 day Upper Mustang Trek!

Upper Mustang, opened for trekking only in 1992, is a restricted region located in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif. The Upper Mustang Trek is a hidden gem that offers a truly unique and interesting experience in terms of culture, lifestyle as well as scenery. The region is geographically similar to Tibet and has remained almost untouched for centuries. The far stretching dry lands and desert like valleys along with the Annapurnas shimmering in the distance is a memorable sight. The locals, known as Lobas, are mostly of Thakali and Tibetan ethnicity and follow Buddhism and the animist Bon religion. They survive through farming, animal herding and trade with Tibet. Practices like polyandry and sky burial are still prevalent in the region. Even in this rugged environment, you can find various rare species of wildlife thriving including horses, ibex, snow leopards, blue sheep and more.

A flight/drive to the lakeside city of Pokhara, followed by another flight to Jomsom leads you to the trailhead at Kagbeni. The next day, the Upper Mustang Trek starts as you follow the Kali Gandaki River up to Chele. Over the next few days, cross some high passes and make your way through Syangboche, Ghami and Charang to eventually arrive at Lo-Manthang. This walled town, which used to be the capital of the former kingdom of Lo, is one of the major highlights of any Mustang trek. Take a day to explore the various points of interest nearby. Then, retrace your steps via Ghami, Geling and Chusang down to Jomsom where you can catch the flight to Pokhara. The Upper Mustang Trek comes to a closure as you return back to capital via your preferred means of transport.

As Upper Mustang is a restricted region, you will require the Upper Mustang Restricted Area permit ($500 per person for the first 10 days and $50 for every day after) along with the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit ($20).

Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty

The Upper Mustang Trek is a moderately strenuous trek that takes you through the arid valleys and windy trails of Upper Mustang. This trek is suitable for both newcomers and experienced trekkers alike. With most of the trail being fairly rough and lying above 3000 meters, having good physical fitness and stamina is a necessity. Some other factors you need to consider for the Upper Mustang Trek are:

Elevation:

With most of the trail situated above 3000 meters, altitude sickness is a possible threat on this trek. As such, remember to stay hydrated, ascend at a steady pace and take adequate rest days.

Length:

The Upper Mustang Trek generally lasts a little over 2 weeks. The trekking hours average out to around 5-6 hours of trekking per day. 

Best Season for Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang Trek is open to visitors all year long. With majority of the trail lying in the Himalayan rain shadow, this trek is one of the few that can be done in monsoon. Winter trekking might not be a good idea due to cold temperatures and harsh winds. For the best possible views and experience, we recommend visiting during the spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) seasons.